Pick of the week

Poor Things

Emma Stone gives a bold performance in the offbeat new work from Yorgos Lanthimos, known for “The Favourite”. She portrays Bella, a character who has died but is brought back to life with the brain of her unborn child by a Frankenstein-like figure named Godwin, played by Willem Dafoe. As she adjusts to her new existence, she longs to explore and understand life. Smooth-talking Duncan Wedderburn (played hilariously by Mark Ruffalo) seeks to manipulate her, but Bella is a unique individual with her own perspective on the world. Based on Alasdair Gray’s novel and set in a strikingly surreal Victorian era, this clever and unsettling comedy is sure to delight.
Out now, Disney+

Femme

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Sam H Freeman and Ng Choon Ping’s first full-length film is a skillfully crafted and intricate examination of homosexual longing and apprehension through the lens of a revenge-filled thriller. Lead actor Nathan Stewart-Jarrett portrays Jules, a drag artist who is the victim of a homophobic assault by Preston (played by George MacKay) and his friends. When Jules unexpectedly encounters Preston at a gay sauna, he devises a plan to seduce him. The dynamic between the two characters constantly evolves as Preston battles with his own identity and Jules begins to develop compassion towards his attacker in this thought-provoking and expertly acted drama.
Out now, Netflix

The Souvenir: Part II

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Julie (played by Honor Swinton Byrne), an upper-class student, struggles with the loss of her manipulative boyfriend in the first part of Joanna Hogg’s two-part drama. As she works on her film school graduation project, she is consumed by grief over Anthony’s sudden death and her lack of understanding of who he truly was. This leads her to explore new avenues both in her art and in her personal life. The second part of the film delves deeper into Julie’s emotional journey and becomes a captivating tale of resilience.

On the evening of March 10th, Sunday, tune in to BBC Two at 10pm.

20 Days in Mariupol

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A doctor caught up in war in a Bafta-winning documentary describes it as an X-ray that exposes the inner workings of humanity. The film, which depicts the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, captures the terror and devastation of the conflict. Journalist Mstyslav Chernov was in the city during the siege by Putin’s troops and chose to stay and record the harrowing experiences of its residents. The film portrays the heartbreaking impact of the war through distressing hospital scenes and interviews with individuals living in constant fear for their own lives and those of their children. This is a challenging but important film to watch. SW

On Monday, March 11 at 10:30 PM, tune in to Channel 4.

The Card Counter

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In 2021, Oscar Isaac plays the lead character in writer-director Paul Schrader’s film, which tells a story of morality. William Tell is a skilled card player who travels across American casinos, earning a modest income to sustain himself without attracting too much attention. When he encounters Cirk, a young drifter played by Tye Sheridan who has a connection to William’s troubled past in the military, a sense of camaraderie develops. The addition of Tiffany Haddish as a representative for elite poker players only complicates William’s attempt to turn his life around.
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Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

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With possibly accidental echoes of Michael J Fox’s 1991 comedy Doc Hollywood, this lovely drama out of Bhutan follows trainee teacher Ugyen (Sherab Dorji), who is ordered to take a position at a school in a remote Himalayan village. He’s a city boy with plans to emigrate to Australia, so some gentle clashing of cultures ensues. But – as you may expect but still welcome – he warms to the cute kids, unadorned rural lifestyle and, not least, Kelden Lhamo Gurung’s young singer. SW

On Thursday, March 14th at 10:50pm, tune in to BBC Four.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)

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Last year, upon its debut in theaters, this swiftly became the top-selling concert film ever, surpassing Bieber and providing a welcomed uplift for movie theaters. However, for someone as incredibly successful as Swift, this is expected. This new streaming version includes five additional songs from her 2023 performances in California, capturing all the glitz and glamour of the show – from up-close moments to grandeur widescreen effects. With numerous costume changes, dazzling visual effects, and smooth choreography, plus the charming presence of Tay Tay, this film continues to be a hit.
Friday 15 March, Disney+

Source: theguardian.com